Question: which of the following will be the implanting agency for Pilot Project on Ornamental Fisheries recently announced by the government of India?
a) National Fisheries Development Board
b) Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries
c) Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers welfare
d) None of the above.
Ans: (a)
- According to a press release dated 9th March, 2017 by the Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Government has envisaged a pilot scheme for the development of ornamental fisheries.
- Total outlay of the Project is estimated at Rs. 61.89 crore.
- The project shall be implemented by the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) through the Fisheries Departments of States/UTs.
- The broad funding patterns proposed under the pilot project on ornamental fisheries are in line with the funding patterns under CSS Blue Revolution: Integrated Development and Management of Fisheries.
- The implementation of proposed pilot project on ornamental fisheries will require a minimum time frame of one year.
- The project focuses mainly on creating an enabling environment for a sustainable and holistic development of Ornamental Fisheries for the socio-economic development of the people involved in this activity as well as for exports.
- The focus will be on cluster-based farming and conservation of natural resources, both inland and marine, through habitat restoration and creating awareness amongst the stakeholders.
Objective of the project:
- to promote ornamental fish culture with cluster-based approach,
- to augment ornamental fisheries trade and export earnings
- to create employment opportunities for the rural & periurban population and
- Use of modern technology and innovation to make ornamental fisheries a thriving activity.
- The project activities involves setting up of backyard rearing units, medium scale units, integrated breeding-cum-rearing units, aquarium fabrication, trade and marketing and promotional activities.
- For the purpose of implementation of the pilot project, a total of 8 potential States have been identified, viz., Assam, West Bengal , Odisha, Maharashtra , Gujarat , Karnataka , Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
About Ornamental Fisheries:
- Ornamental fishery is a sub-sector of the fisheries sector dealing with breeding and rearing of coloured fish of both freshwater and marine water.
- Though ornamental fisheries does not directly contribute to the food and nutritional security, it generates livelihood and income for the rural and periurban population, especially women and unemployed youth as part-time activities.
- The ornamental fish industry in India is small but vibrant. The low production cost and high returns within a short span of time and the ever growing demand, both in domestic and international markets, are the major attractions. About 400 species of marine ornamental fishes and 375 freshwater ornamental varieties are available in various parts of our country.
- Fisheries and Aquaculture sector mainly focus on the production of table fish. Consequently, the major funding, both in the Government & private sector, is aimed at increasing the production and productivity of fish.